Pest's Offseason Plan

[The Franchise]

*This is not what I expect the Chiefs to do. This is what I would do.

I'll update as I see fit.

First Rough Draft

Spoiler!

Cut:
Dunta Robinson for obvious reasons.


I'd like to trade Chase Daniel but I'm not sure if anyone would want him or if we would want to let him go and roll with Bray and someone else behind Smith. I think Daniel stays for another year.

Extend Berry's contract.

Current list of Chiefs FAs. Bolded players are given new contracts.

LT Branden Albert
G Geoff Schwartz
G Jon Asamoah
WR Dexter McCluster
WR Kyle Williams
DE Tyson Jackson
LB Akeem Jordan
LB Frank Zombo
S Kendrick Lewis
DB Husain Abdullah
DB Quintin Demps
LS Thomas Gafford
TE Richard Gordon (RFA)
G Ricky Henry (RFA)
DT Jerrell Powe (RFA)
LB Robert James (ERFA)

Priority #1 this offseason should be getting Schwartz a new deal. It's no surprise that when he earned the starting RG job....that the offensive line played well. He'll only be 28 at the beginning of next season. I would give him a contract in the 3-4 year range. If we can bring Asamoah back with a team friendly deal....awesome. If not...let him walk.

Akeem Jordan and Frank Zombo have played well enough to get contracts. Jordan isn't a Navarro Bowman...but there isn't one available and I don't see Nico Johnson as a LB that's going to step in and run away with the job. Jordan and Johnson can split time next season.

Abdullah and Demps should be brought back. Abdullah is good depth behind Berry and Demps is decent depth at the FS position. He's also damn good at STs.

Free Agency

Golden Tate, WR - Tate becomes the #2 WR and your starting punt returner. He's an upgrade at WR over McCluster and Avery.

Ziggy Hood, DE - Hood is brought in to replace Tyson Jackson. Hood is only 26 and shouldn't break the bank.

Mike Johnson, OT - Depth at OT since Albert is gone.

Draft

1st round - Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina - Even with Fasano, Kelce and McGrath....the TE position is still a need for this team. McGrath was a nice fill in this year but he's just not starting material. If Fasano and Kelce show up both healthy next year, then Reid has the ability to change things up with our TEs. If Kelce proves to be what Reid thought he would be....then Fasano is expendable after next season. Alex Smith loves his TEs and not having a consistent one this year showed.

3rd round - Dion Bailey, S, USC - His fit is what Eric Berry is doing right now in the NFL. He's a converted LB that moved to safety and excelled. You draft Bailey, start him at SS and move Berry to FS.

4th round - Michael Sam, DE/OLB, Missouri - This team desperately needs depth behind Houston and Hali. We saw what happens with injuries. Hali is starting to show decline. Bringing in young pass rushers that can give Houston and Hali breathers from time to time....while also grooming them for the future is a must.

5th round - Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma - We don't need starting CBs at this time (Smith, Cooper and Flowers are just fine) but Flowers isn't getting any younger and we need to bring in some depth.

6th round - Prince Shembo, OLB/DE - Notre Dame - Did I mention that we need depth behind Houston and Hali? Shembo is stout against the run but needs to work on his pass rushing repertoire. He can learn from Houston and Hali while contributing on STs.

6th round - T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame - Homer pick. **** you.

Second Rough Draft

Cut:
Dunta Robinson for obvious reasons.
Donnie Avery - Too many drops and only decent when he's running crossing routes or fly routes.

I'd like to trade Chase Daniel but I'm not sure if anyone would want him or if we would want to let him go and roll with Bray and someone else behind Smith. I think Daniel stays for another year.

Extend Berry's contract. Hali and Flowers restructure their deals.


Current list of Chiefs FAs. Bolded players are given new contracts.

LT Branden Albert
G Geoff Schwartz
G Jon Asamoah
WR Dexter McCluster
WR Kyle Williams
DE Tyson Jackson
LB Akeem Jordan
LB Frank Zombo
S Kendrick Lewis
DB Husain Abdullah
DB Quintin Demps
LS Thomas Gafford
TE Richard Gordon (RFA)
G Ricky Henry (RFA)
DT Jerrell Powe (RFA)
LB Robert James (ERFA)

Priority #1 this offseason should be getting Schwartz a new deal. It's no surprise that when he earned the starting RG job....that the offensive line played well. He'll only be 28 at the beginning of next season. I would give him a contract in the 3-4 year range. If we can bring Asamoah back with a team friendly deal....awesome. If not...let him walk.

Akeem Jordan and Frank Zombo have played well enough to get contracts. Jordan isn't a Navarro Bowman...but there isn't one available and I don't see Nico Johnson as a LB that's going to step in and run away with the job. Jordan and Johnson can split time next season.

Abdullah is brought back for depth behind Berry and possible playing time at FS.

Free Agency

Jeremy Maclin - It's been reported that Maclin is aware that he might have to accept a 1 year deal this year because of his current injury and history. The Eagles are going to want to bring back both Maclin and Cooper but one of them is going to leave. I don't see room for both.

Mike Johnson, OT - Depth at OT since Albert is gone.

Draft

1st round - Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame - There are people on this board that will scream up and down that he won't be here for our pick. Yes, it's possible...but it's also possible that his down year, his injury and his weight gain could cause him to drop. If he shows up and blows up the combine...then he probably won't be here. I think he'll be here with the rise of Ealy and the fact that someone will want to trade up for Clowney. That and the shear number of QBs in the 1st round.

3rd round - Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State - The perfect slot receiver for this offense. Runs all of the routes, good hands and also can return punts if we need him too.

[B]4th round - Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn /B] - This team desperately needs depth behind Houston and Hali. We saw what happens with injuries. Hali is starting to show decline. Bringing in young pass rushers that can give Houston and Hali breathers from time to time....while also grooming them for the future is a must.

5th round - Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma - We don't need starting CBs at this time (Smith, Cooper and Flowers are just fine) but Flowers isn't getting any younger and we need to bring in some depth.

6th round -Tevin McDonald*, S, Eastern Washington - This team ****ing needs safeties. He'll help on STs and provide depth behind Commings. Dude is the younger brother of T.J. McDonald.

6th round - Spencer Long, G, Nebraska - Tore his ACL this season. Damn good guard though. Redshirts his first year....no big deal.

UDFA - George Atkinson III, RB, Notre Dame - Kick returner and 3rd RB who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Not too bad. I like that it's clear and concise what you're trying to do, and I love that roster.

Some criticisms from my point of view:

Smith and Houston both need to be extended before Berry. We can't trot Houston out there for anything less than $7m next year (my estimation), and Smith will probably need to be around $10m. Berry's contract is unimportant compared to them, other than to clear some cap space -- which I know you're doing. But Smith and Houston will likely eat that capspace up. There's no way we'll have room for Tait or Hood, but one can dream...

We're going to have to hit a homerun in the draft if we want to be Super Bowl contenders, I'm afraid, as well as have Fisher, Kelce, and Commings all pan out.

As for your draft, pretty solid. My biggest criticism is with the idea of moving Berry to FS when he's played at an All Pro level at SS. That's akin to all the True Fans who've begged to move Albert inside from Day One.

The thing with Houston is that you aren't required to give him a new deal right now. He's not going to be making as less as everyone thinks he is. Under the CBA....all players drafted in the 3-7 round range are given an escalator if they reach certain playing time percentages. Houston has more than surpassed those percentages. So he'll end up getting anywhere from a $1.5 million to $2 million dollar escalator on his deal.

And moving Berry is in no way akin to moving Albert. The cries to move Albert were so we could draft another LT. I'm saying draft a SS and move Berry to better utilize his skills. Like I stated though...it's just what I would do. Not what I expect the Chiefs to do.

[McBeard]

Originally Posted by Pestilence

The thing with Houston is that you aren't required to give him a new deal right now. He's not going to be making as less as everyone thinks he is. Under the CBA....all players drafted in the 3-7 round range are given an escalator if they reach certain playing time percentages. Houston has more than surpassed those percentages. So he'll end up getting anywhere from a $1.5 million to $2 million dollar escalator on his deal.

Didn't Pioli do something similar with Carr? It seems like we sort of got screwed by that. There was speculation it pissed him off because he didn't get a real deal. After he signed that deal right before training camp it seemed like he was done negotiating. It could back fire. It almost seems like something teams do to players they don't plan keeping long term.

I could be way off here.

[Mav]

Question Sir. You cut gray, specifically cut gray, and he made your depth chart.

I really love this mock.

And yes, Riley Cooper, is an unrestricted free agent by the way.

Kudos on Ebron. We all know how I feel about his ass.

http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-0...per-nate-allen

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

Question Sir. You cut gray, specifically cut gray, and he made your depth chart.

I really love this mock.

And yes, Riley Cooper, is an unrestricted free agent by the way.

Kudos on Ebron. We all know how I feel about his ass.

http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-0...per-nate-allen

I initially cut Gray and then decided against it....but didn't remove the first part. Nice catch. Thanks.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I really don't understand why so many don't want McCluster back.

He had a great year as a punt return specialist and I think he'll be even better next year.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I really don't understand why so many don't want McCluster back.

He had a great year as a punt return specialist and I think he'll be even better next year.

I think most understand that McCluster likely played himself out of our price range for his role on this team. If he can be brought back under 2 million per year, fine...otherwise we need to upgrade our receivers.

I think he will probably get more than that from somebody, though.

[BossChief]

Also, pest weren't you giving me shit about talking up the tight end class the other day as a direction we should take? Something about "what do you do with McGrath? Cut him?...maybe I just misunderstood.

Obviously, I think Ebron would be a phenomenal pick and if he is gone when we pick, there are two other tight ends I'd e ok with selecting at that point.

[KCFaninSEA]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I really don't understand why so many don't want McCluster back.

He had a great year as a punt return specialist and I think he'll be even better next year.

For me this has an easy answer. Dexter made 1.4 this year and will want a raise. That is fine but I can't see paying what he will be asking for to a guy whose only real contribution is as a punt returner. I'm not saying anything except this team will need more for the money he will want. I also don't like that Dexter seems to not break tackles.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Also, pest weren't you giving me shit about talking up the tight end class the other day as a direction we should take? Something about "what do you do with McGrath? Cut him?...maybe I just misunderstood.

Obviously, I think Ebron would be a phenomenal pick and if he is gone when we pick, there are two other tight ends I'd e ok with selecting at that point.

I wasn't talking shit..... more asking what would you do with McGrath. Didn't mean it come off that way. ...my bad.

[BossChief]

As far as McGrath and Fasano go, neither guy is anything special. Fasano was a one step forward, two steps back guy and McGrath is JAG.

I am probably as high on Kelce as anyone on this board (I reported on him while at camp multiple times and the guy looked like a difference maker at the position) ...but not many players that lose their first year to injury ever e one anything special. Hopefully, Kelce becomes an outlier to that.

If we are able to go into the season with Kelce and Ebron/Amaro or Jenkins, the receivers we have are probably good enough.

I know this is gonna seem far fetched, but I think a trio of Kelce-Ebron-McGrath/Fasano would be top 5 in the league as a position group.

[Dunerdr]

Your draft I don't agree with. Your other moves I'd like. But I think we resign Kyle Williams for peanuts on the dollar. Pending health I think he and Jenkins could become contributors in this offense nothing super special but solid depth maybe more. I'd love to see a Tate, Bowe, Avery and a panned out Kelce set with Charles out of the back! I get a chub thinking about this offense with one more legitimate threat.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA

For me this has an easy answer. Dexter made 1.4 this year and will want a raise. That is fine but I can't see paying what he will be asking for to a guy whose only real contribution is as a punt returner. I'm not saying anything except this team will need more for the money he will want. I also don't like that Dexter seems to not break tackles.

What has been surprising is how good Dexter has become before and during the catch. I think he's an okay runner -- better than his critics say, but definitely not the gamechanger some make him out to be. But he has become an excellent route runner and he had the most reliable hands by a mile of our receivers this year. And in most close games at the end of the year, he came out with some big time, difficult catches in really crucial moments.

I don't mind overpaying the guy. Of course, I don't want to break the bank either. Dex is looking good as a hands receiver who is also excellent at returning punts. Even if he gets demoted to #4 WR, he could play a really valuable role for this team.

[Easy 6]

If we're wanting more sack production from the ends, I'm not sure what Hood gives us that Jackson cant.

Hoods best year is 3, Jackson had 4 this year.

Not saying I want to keep Jackson, just saying I want a better pass rush from our ends.

I definitely like the offense to defense ratio in your mock.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

What has been surprising is how good Dexter has become before and during the catch. I think he's an okay runner -- better than his critics say, but definitely not the gamechanger some make him out to be. But he has become an excellent route runner and he had the most reliable hands by a mile of our receivers this year. And in most close games at the end of the year, he came out with some big time, difficult catches in really crucial moments.

I don't mind overpaying the guy. Of course, I don't want to break the bank either. Dex is looking good as a hands receiver who is also excellent at returning punts. Even if he gets demoted to #4 WR, he could play a really valuable role for this team.

Agree.

His flexibility on offense and special teams provides a lot of options. Those options might not be "A or B", but he can find a spot all over the field. As well, as stated above, he's turned out to be a quality route runner with decent hands.

And I don't think he'll want exorbitant amounts of money.

I also like the concept of Riley Cooper as a free agent. Guy can catch a ball.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I really don't understand why so many don't want McCluster back.

He had a great year as a punt return specialist and I think he'll be even better next year.

Originally Posted by BossChief

I think most understand that McCluster likely played himself out of our price range for his role on this team. If he can be brought back under 2 million per year, fine...otherwise we need to upgrade our receivers.

I think he will probably get more than that from somebody, though.

Pretty much this. He's going to command more than he's worth IMO.